Sampler
EmbroidererEmbroidered by
Wealthy Amanda Badcock
(American, 1824 - 1897)
Dateabout 1835-1836
MediumEmbroidery; silk thread on a plain-woven linen ground; glass and wood
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of frame): 17 7/8 x 18 3/8in. (45.4 x 46.7cm)
Primary Dimensions (height x width of visible ground): 14 5/8 x 15 1/8in. (37.1 x 38.4cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2006.74.2
DescriptionSampler worked in tan, medium browns, light blue, medium blue, cream, dark brown, gray and medium green silk threads on a plain-woven linen ground using cross and other stitches. The sampler is squarish, oriented horizontally. It is laid out with five rows of four alphabets and the numbers 1 through 10, over two inscriptions, over a horizontal band of pictorial motifs at the bottom. The first inscription is "Wealthy A Badcock's [sic] sampler aged/ 11 years Born Nov 7th 1824". The second inscription is "The Seamstress with her little hands/ Pleas'd to improve her skill/ Delights to mind the soft commands/ And do her mistress will". The horizontal band of pictorial motifs include, from left to right, two bird facing each other atop two trees, a hanging tavern sign, a three-dimensional two-story building, a tree, and a basket. These motifs are not in scale. There diamonds after the first and fourth alphabets; there are two crowns after numbers 1-10. To the right of the inscriptions are various motifs, including marking motifs, plants, and a heart. Certain lines of alphabets, numbers, and text are separated by various narrow borders, including straight and meandering lines. The sampler has a four-sided narrow border.
The all four edges of the sampler have a 1/8 inch double hem.
Letters and Numbers: There are four alphabets and the numbers 1-10. The letters are uppercase block in alphabets 1 and 2, uppercase script in alphabet 3, and lowercase block in alphabet 4. The letter J is present in the first, second and fourth alphabets; the letter U is present in all alphabets. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch over two threads; it is also worked in Algerian eye. The second alphabet is bigger and fancier than the other alphabets.
Condition: The ground is darkened and has some stains. The sampler may have moderate to severe fading. There are some holes, mostly along the right side.
NotesSubject Note: The building and tavern sign depicted in the sampler probably stood in Coventry, perhaps on an old turnpike road to Hartford. (Hunt 6/5/2007)The all four edges of the sampler have a 1/8 inch double hem.
Letters and Numbers: There are four alphabets and the numbers 1-10. The letters are uppercase block in alphabets 1 and 2, uppercase script in alphabet 3, and lowercase block in alphabet 4. The letter J is present in the first, second and fourth alphabets; the letter U is present in all alphabets. All lowercase letters with descenders, such as the letter 'g', are placed so the descender does not extend below the baseline.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the sampler is cross stitch over two threads; it is also worked in Algerian eye. The second alphabet is bigger and fancier than the other alphabets.
Condition: The ground is darkened and has some stains. The sampler may have moderate to severe fading. There are some holes, mostly along the right side.
Status
Not on view
